Distemper in Dogs - Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

It is a multi-system disorder of domestic dogs and other animals. It is a viral disease of animals, which may land into fatal conditions. This disease is highly incurable and contagious. It affects various systems of the body like respiratory, neurological and gastrointestinal systems. The management and recovery of this disease depends on dogs' immune response to infection. Initially the dog develops excessive watering from eyes and later on there will be pus like discharge. It also occurs in other animals also such as skunks, raccoons, etc. This disease directly spreads through direct contact between susceptible and infected dogs. The young dog puppies of three to six months of age are mostly affected than young or older dogs. There are different species of dogs but their body functions like humans and they can also be affected by viral disorders. So in this article we will discuss distemper in dogs, its causes, symptoms and treatment with natural herbs.

Introduction

It is one of the most serious diseases among dogs. Distemper in dogs is caused by Paramyxovirus also known as canine distemper virus (CDV). These days’ domestic dogs are already vaccinated with the distemper vaccine. Preventive vaccines are given at 8, 12, 16 weeks of age. Dogs who are younger than four months are mostly affected and non-vaccinated dogs are affected. This canine distemper affects wildlife populations, especially dogs. As this distemper disease is fatal, if a dog survives the damage to the nervous system becomes irreparable. This disease of dogs is spread worldwide but in today's time due to vaccination the infected rate of distemper dogs are not common. The infected dog takes about 20- 25 days for recovery. It is difficult to treat when it involves the central nervous system as it causes seizures, convulsions, etc. No particular medicine is available for this CDV virus so you can use NSAIDS for reducing fever and inflammation. This viral disease affects nerves so vitamin B complex (B1, B6, and B12) helps to repair all damaged nerve endings. It can also affect minks, foxes, wolves, ferrets, etc. The mortality of distemper disease depends on the immunity of the dog and severity of infection.

Causes

The causative factor for distemper in dogs is Canine distemper virus (CDV) and it is a paramyxovirus. The cause behind distemper disease in dogs are as follows-

• Contact with infected dogs
• If animal not vaccinated
• Weak immunity of patient
  

Symptoms

The Sign and Symptoms for Distemper in Dogs Are As Follows

• Fever 
• Watery eyes
• Pus discharge from eyes
• Nasal discharge ( mucus, yellow discharge)
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea ( foul smell)
• Purulent discharge
• Difficulty in breathing
• Change respiratory rate
• Muscle twitches 

Complications

The Complications for Canine Distemper Disease Are As Follows

•  Hard pad disease
• Secondary infection
• Nystagmus
• Neurological signs (convulsions, head tilt, seizures, paralysis etc.)

Spread

The Distemper Disease In Dogs Spread Through Various Pathways (Coughing, Sneezing, Urine, Feces, Saliva, Blood, Etc.) Some of Them Are As Follows

• Direct contact
• Droplet infection
• Airborne disease
• Through placenta

Diagnosis

Veterinarians Diagnose Distemper Disease By Through Following Methods

• Clinical appearance
• Laboratory testing
•  In Ayurveda darshan and sparshan is done.
• (Medical history and clinical examination done).
• RT-PCR
• Urine analysis
• CT, MRI

Management

Primarily Supportive Treatment Is Done And To Protect Secondary Infections. The Management for Distemper in Dogs Are As Follows

• As it is viral disease, so antibiotics do not work
• Antibiotics, used if secondary bacterial infection
• Intensive nursing care
• Isolation of infected dog
• IV fluid therapy ( intravenous)
• Symptomatic treatment ( fever, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Vaccination ( CDV vaccine)
• Diet supplements, semi-solid diet to dogs
• Immunity booster
• Water, electrolytes 
• B complex infusion
• Vitamin C ( increase immunity)
• Probiotics ( curd can be source)

Ayurvedic Point of View Regarding Distemper in Dogs

Distemper disease in Ayurveda can be managed under pashu chikitsa. This is a tridoshaj disorder including vata, pitta and kapha. Firstly to be prevented from this disease you should boost good immunity of your dog. The dogs must be given a proper diet full of vitamins, nutrients and minerals; also you must include some food supplements in his diet. The herbal medicines which can strengthen immunity are-

• Giloy( Tinospora cordifolia)
• Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera)
• Indian Echinacea
• Turmeric 
• Ginger
• Cooked oatmeal 
  
  

According To Ayurveda, the Balancing Of Vitiated Doshas Helps in Recovering From This Disease.

Herbal Remedies for Distemper in Dogs by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a widespread unit for manufacturing various combinations of medicines. It produces all natural and herbal medicines for humans and vets also. All the products manufactured here are according to classical Ayurveda texts. Planet Ayurveda is a well certified and authorized company which produces clinically tested products without any preservatives. No starch, color, binders and additives are not added. The best combination of herbal medicines for distemper in dogs are as follows

1. Neuro plan 
2. Energo plan
3. Giloyghan vati
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani ras

Product Description

1. Neuro Plan Syrup

It is standardized syrup formulation prepared from extract of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus). This syrup strengthens the nervous system and acts on nerves. It can be helpful for generalized body weakness and fatigue. It reduces inflammation and acts as an antioxidant

Dosage- Two tablespoons twice a day after meals

2. Energo plan Syrup

This is a syrup formulation for energy prepared from extract of jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).This formulation strengthens and regulates body properly. It boosts energy levels. It regulates minerals, vitamins and nutrients balance. This syrup makes the immune system stronger.

Dosage- One tablespoon twice a day after meals.

3. Giloyghan vati

This is standardized tablet preparation from our classical texts. It is prepared from an extract of giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). These tablets boost immunity and fight against infections as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It enhances memory and is effective against various respiratory infections.

Dosage- Two tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani ras

This is standardized from our classical Ayurveda texts, they are in the form of pills. These pills are made by using swarna bhasma (powder/ ash), rajat bhasma, Abhrak bhasma, loha bhasma, etc. It helps to maintain the healthy function of the brain or healthy nervous system. It balances all three doshas but particularly acts on vata and pitta dosha. It is very good for mental health. It also regulates our digestive system.

Dosage- One tablet once in a day with plain water after meals. ( Tablet crushed then taken)

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030

Conclusion

The distemper in dogs is a fatal disease which spreads through direct contact and it affects multi-functional systems of dogs. Most animals with low immune systems are affected more. For such conditions in pets you must follow information given in this article and for more severity you must concern vet specialist doctors.